In a shocking development, the gated estates are to be exempted from loadshedding until further notice.

KwaDukuza municipality (KDM) said on Monday that after careful consideration, council had decided that Zimbali, Brettenwood, Dunkirk, Simbithi and Palm Lakes estates would enjoy uninterrupted electricity supply from next Monday.

“We recognise that these estates are the largest contributors to the KDM fiscus,” said municipal spokesman, April Khohlisa.

“Council decided to take heed of the warnings from the Chamber of Business over the years not to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.”

Council had recognised that estate residents were extremely important contributors to the local and national economy.

“As so many of these leaders in the economy work from home, it was vital that they have power round the clock,” said Khohlisa.

He added that Sheffield Beach was also being considered for 24-hour power.

“There have been so many complaints since Sheffield was put on the loadshedding schedule last week that it was decided to reverse that decision. Residents complained they paid very high rates and deserved better treatment. Also, they were ringing our phones off the hook. It was tiresome.”

Estate residents contacted by the Courier were overjoyed at the news, most saying that their rates money was being well spent.

However, not everyone is pleased at this development. Ballito and Salt Rock residents called it blatant discrimination against the poor and Democratic Alliance council leader Helen Fiddler said this was another ANC ploy to steal DA voters.

“Those estates all fall within DA wards. It is clear that the ANC is trying to suck up to residents and steal their votes in the May elections,” she fumed.

Ballito and Salt Rock residents who are against the council decision are invited to a public meeting at the Salt Rock library at midday on Monday, April 1.

Editor – We hope you enjoyed our April Fools joke, a long-standing tradition at the Courier!

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